Anna Belle Baker

Anna Belle Rees Baker, 81, Topeka, died July 26, 2007 after a short illness.

Anna Belle was born January 21, 1926 in Marion, Kansas. She was the daughter of Percival Norris and Annabel (Allen) Rees of Marion, Kansas.

She married William T. Baker on June 10, 1956 in Topeka. He preceded her in death in 2005.

Anna Belle spent most of her professional life inspiring students and teachers as a teacher and Art Educator with Topeka USD 501 School District. She also loved all that nature's beauty offered this world and loved painting majestic landscapes. She shared a special bond with her identical twin sister, Mary Alice Parmley. Together they closely collaborated on a yearly Christmas book with Anna Belle providing the scenery art and Mary Alice the poetry. One of their favorite pastimes was traveling with their husbands and niece and nephew, Mary Ann and David Siller. She got inspiration by returning to Marion to visit her childhood home and friends.

Survivors include her twin sister, Mary Alice Rees Parmley; Topeka; her niece, Mary Ann Siller and her husband, David, Dallas, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3, 2007 at Valley United Methodist Church, 300 East Santa Fe, Marion, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Marion Cemetery. Anna Belle will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th, Topeka after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley United Methodist Church and/or Good News Christian Fellowship, 310 S. Coble, Marion, Kansas 66861.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com